SIHH Preview 2019: Cartier Privé Geared To Collectors And Maison Aficionados

When Cartier precedes the name of a new model with the word Privé, it is worth paying attention. This is the brand’s way of identifying its high-end, usually complicated watches, made in limited series and targeted to collectors. The new tonneau shaped Skeleton Dual Time Zone is the latest Privé piece, set to be introduced at the upcoming Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, and it is pure Cartier for lovers of the maison’s distinctive style. First, it falls into the category of what Cartier refers to as “shaped” watches – anything out of round. The tonneau, or barrel shape, was originally designed to better fit the wrist, and Cartier introduced its first one in 1906. The new Skeleton Dual Time Zone is inspired by an evolution of that model, the Tonneau XL dual time zone, with two separate mechanisms – one for the home time and one for the second time zone. The new model is a high watchmaking evolution: it has a new movement, a single mechanism that drives both time zones on two separate dials on the front of the watch.

By Carol Besler

Cartier Privé Skeleton Dual Time Zone in platinum.

The new watches in the Cartier Privé collection.

The movement, caliber 9919 MC, of the Cartier Privé Skeleton Dual Time Zone.